Page 31

CHAPTER 30

MIKHAIL

I’m questioning myself now.

It’s almost gone on too long, keeping the truth of what I look like from her. I should have shown her in the beginning so she could go ahead and run in fear.

I couldn’t stand the looks of disgust I received after Ivan scarred me.

The mask is just easier. And for a man in my position, it’s added to the mystery.

If my enemies don’t know what I look like, they can’t pinpoint me. Cameras have a harder time tracking me. Many people wear masks nowadays, so it’s almost easier to blend in.

There have been some advantages.

My damn phone has been buzzing with messages since we left the casino. I’m sure most of them are my siblings, each wanting the full story of where I’ve been and what happened over the last few weeks.

There will be time.

It’s only when it rings that I dig it out.

“Hello, Enzo. It’s been at least—” I roll my arm to check my Rolex. “—thirty entire minutes since I’ve seen you last.”

“Well, I didn’t get a chance to tell you about the big event I have planned. Now that you’re back on the surface, I want you to be one of the headliner guests.” His voice takes on a pained tone. “I think it will pull Ivan and Tatiana out of hiding.”

“That’s a good idea. It’s time to finish this shit. Do you think we’ll find their moles? Someone has to be feeding them info.” How else would my father know that I was in Russia?

“I have Romeo looking harder into Drago. I still wonder if he turned you in.” Enzo takes a long breath. “Also, about Zoya…”

I can feel my gut twist at the mention of her name. “What about her?”

Ana shifts in her seat to watch me attentively.

“She showed up at your office. Fortunately, it was after everyone else had left.” He sighs. “But then she went down to the foyer and the casino floor.”

For fuck’s sake. “What did she do?” I slam the car in park outside of the house and stomp to the passenger’s side.

“She verbally attacked the floor manager demanding to see you, and started saying how everyone was in danger because Ivan was coming.” Enzo laughs lightly. “I don’t think she should stay here.”

I rub my temples and follow Ana into the house.

Hades runs up and leans against her legs, nearly knocking her over, wiggling for her attention.

He doesn’t even look at me.

“Fine. Set her up in the guest house here. I can’t have her throwing a fit and exposing our organization to the public.” I click the end button and toss my phone onto the counter.

“Rough day at work, big man?” Ana drops her purse next to my cell.

“Zoya and Galena will be coming here. They’ll stay in the guest house.” I’m used to being the one in control of every situation.

Lately, that has been tested constantly.

“Why? She looked completely fine when we saw her a little while ago.” Her lips flatten and she twists her wedding ring.

I drop my palms on either side of her and run my nose up her neck. “You know how you got tired of being caged in by your mother? How the desperate need for freedom finally overcame the urge for safety? I think that’s what is going on with her. She’s been in hiding as well since this.” I point at my mask. “So I’ll do my best to be patient, for Galena’s sake.”

Movement out the window catches my focus.

Enzo’s fleet of black SUV’s cutting through on the back driveway to the guest house.

I can’t imagine that his sex clubs are ever slow. He must want her moved out as badly as she does for him to act so quickly.

“So…is she always like this?” Ana’s eyes narrow as she follows my gaze.

I shake my head. “I haven’t had direct contact with her for years. It was only when I went to get you that I saw her again for the first time.”

Ana tilts her chin and purses her lips looking up at me.

“Whatever.” She ducks, slipping out from between my arms and grabs her bag, heading upstairs.

Hades, like the traitor he is, immediately follows her without even glancing at me.

My fist lands on the island top hard enough to make my phone jump.

This is not what I had in mind for tonight.

I have work to do, although I dread having to sit in my office knowing my wife is pissed at me.

When Ana comes back downstairs, she’s changed into an oversized sweater and leggings, showing off the tight curves of her hips as she leans against my desk. “What, my husband, did you have planned for dinner tonight? Are we inviting our new neighbors?”

I groan as I lean back in my chair. “Come here.” I hold out my hand and straddle her across my lap. “The only thing I want to eat tonight is you.” My palms circle the globes of her ass and I grind her against my hardening cock.

“Oh, am I interrupting?” Zoya stands in the doorway with a smirk on her face. “I tried to knock, but there wasn’t an answer.”

Where is my useless guard dog?

Ana’s spine straightens, and she doesn’t even look at Zoya. “Yes, you’re interrupting.”

Zoya raises an eyebrow, but stays still. “That’s rather rude, child.”

Ana’s nails dig into my shoulders and her jaw clenches.

She’s cute when she’s angry.

“Zoya, you need to call. This is our house, and you’ll respect that.” It’s hard to concentrate with Ana’s hot pussy pressing on my crotch.

“Well, I thought we were all family here.” Zoya gives me a patronizing smile, then has the audacity to sit on a nearby chair. “Speaking of, why are you still wearing that ridiculous mask? We’ve all seen you without it.”

Ana’s eyes widen. “We have?”

Zoya laughs. “What, you haven’t seen how handsome he is? Why is he keeping that from you?” She pushes herself up and turns. “Mikhail, dear. Galena has no toys to play with. And I need a different bed than the one that is in that tiny house. It’s horribly soft. You know I like it hard.” She winks at me, then disappears.

As soon as she’s gone, Ana’s face darkens and she shoves her hands against my chest, leaping off my lap. “What the fuck, Miki? She’s seen you without your stupid mask, but I haven’t?” Tears well in her eyes. “You said you weren’t ready, and I’ve tried to respect that. But to have her hold something so important that you keep out of reach?” Her chin wavers and her arms wrap around her waist. “Fuck you!”

Turning on her heel, she runs out the door.

God damn it. This is really not what I had planned.